SLU AT Students Appreciate the Opportunity to Gain Clinical Experience with Billiken Athletics

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics

By: Ryan Dale and Donielle Francis (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

We have the privilege of being placed at Saint Louis University for our PY2 Clinical site. We are currently in the midst of the fall season here at SLU and Donielle is assisting mainly with women’s soccer with Lizzy Kienstra, MAT, ATC, and Ryan is assisting primarily with men’s soccer with preceptor Ben Heimos, ATC. This placement has afforded us the opportunity to work in a collegiate Division 1 setting and be exposed to a diverse group of athletes. 

Donielle: This year I get to learn from preceptor Lizzy Kienstra, a SLU MAT grad. I am assisting her with the Women’s Soccer team, which is currently in season, as well as assisting the Women’s Basketball and Swimming and Diving Teams as they prepare for their upcoming seasons. I have been able to assist Lizzy in all aspects of injury evaluation, treatments and rehab plans. This has given me great hands on experience and instant feedback which is helping me feel more and more confident in my abilities. I’m looking forward to the rest of the year to continue to hone my skills at SLU!

Ryan: I have the incredible opportunity with Ben Heimos, ATC and the Saint Louis University Men’s Soccer team. Being able to assist the Athletics Department that I once represented as an athlete is an honor. My experience has been truly great so far; I like the increased responsibility, and ability to be hands-on to practice my skills. Ben allows me to work within all the domains of athletic training, and the athletes trust me to provide them with the best possible care. I have also enjoyed working with and learning from all the other ATs at Chaifetz. I am excited to continue to grow as an Athletic Trainer alongside so many knowledgeable mentors.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.